Respirator



J. D. HILL RESPIRATOR Dec. 11, 1951 Filed Dec. 4, 1947 INVENTOR John D. Hill W rhea? ATTORNEYS wwmwm Patented Dec. 11, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE HRESPIRATOR John D. l lill, Cleveland, Ohio Application December 4, 1947, Serial Nb. 7891652 11 cam. (01. 128 146) This invention relates to respirators, more"par'- ticularly to mask type respirators preferably having separable parts or members for marginally clamping a filter element to support suchelement across central breathing openings in the members.

Mask'respirators are extensivelyused in industries in which work isdone in an atmosphere laden with dust or other foreign particles that are objectionable or---harmful' when breathed. Such respirators are ;also used by individuals subject to hay fever and other allergies to filter the air they breathe. From time to time it becomes necessary to replace or cleanse the filter element when it is soiled or loaded with dust or other foreign particles. The old filter is cleansed as by washing and replaced'between the clamping members for re-use, or the old filter element is discarded and replaced by anew one; In atmospheres having relatively high concentrations of dust, paint or other foreign materials or particles it is desirable to change the filter element at frequent intervals. Y i 7 One of the principal objects of the present invention is therefore to=provide a mask type respirator of simplified construction and few parts, all of which can be instantly disassembled, removed or replaced by'hand and in which the removal and replacementof the filtenelement is facilitated. As a preferential arrangement the separable frame members which clampthe-filter element in place include; means providingan interlocking connection so that a filter element is retained in clamped relation between the frame members when the mask is-removedfromthe face of the wearer, and so that. the..separab1e frame members hold. together andretain their clamping grip on the filter element while the mask is being donned andadjusted' in place by the wearer. Y

Another object is to provide a mask type respirator of separable inner and outer members in which one ofthe members, such as theinner member, is ofgreater-areaor extent thanthe other member and includesa lateralbridge or nasal portion for overlying the nose of the wearer. v

Another objectis to provide such a respirator in which the separable frame members are formed of thin shape-retaining'sheet material, the inner member having an outwardly rolled guard or edge flange-whichextendsoutwardly 2 A further object of the invention is to Provide a separable frame type respirator in which alined openings are provided in'the side portions of the frames and a head band is laced or threaded through the alined openings to hold the separable frame parts in assembled relation. As'a preferentiala'rrangement, loops of the head band are threaded through the alined side openings'or apertures of the frame members, the frame members remaining threaded'onthe loops when separated from one another for filter replacement, and the head band loops serving to guide the frame members asthe latter'are-moved together into predetermined clamping relation. I;

Still further --objects and advantages relate t certain details of-construction'and arrangements of parts which will become apparent as the following description of a preferred embodiment of the invention is set forth.- This description is made in connection with the accompanying drawings forming'a part of this specification. Like parts throughout the several views of the drawings are indicated by the same letters and numerals of reference.

In the drawings: 7 Figure 1 is a perspective view of a mask type respirator having separable frame parts. and a filter clamped therebetween, and including a band for holding the device in .place on the head of the wearer? 1 Fig. 2 is a perspective View of therespirator with parts broken away and without the filter element, the frame members being drawn apart or'separated from one another while remainin threaded on the loops of the headband;- i i Fig. 3 is'a perspective view of "a suitable filter element} f a Fig. 4 is a front elevational'view of the respi rator mask with parts of thehead band broken away and removed, this view being enlarged with respect to the precedingfigures; r

Fig. -5 is a' vertical sectional view with'parts broken away and removed taken substantially onthe line indicated-at 5-5 of Fig: 4;

"Figlfi is a sectonal view with parts broken away and removed, taken substantially on the line indicated at G B of Fig. 4; and V Fig. 7 is a sectional detail through the-frame membersat one side of the respirator-showing the interlockingsna'p fit connection between the parts and-also showing one of the'pairs of alined frame openings for receiving a loop-ofthe at; tachinghead band.

The respirator comprises inner and'outerframe members A and B,- respectively;; and attaching head band C. The frame members are formed of shape-retaining material, preferably being relatively thin and somewhat resilient so as to conform to varying facial contours of different persons. Although the frame members may be stampings of thin metal, such as aluminum sheet, it is preferred to use a thermosetting or thermoplastic material such as a phenol formaldehyde resin of methyl methacrylate, The frame members can be formed as by inj'ectibn molding of a suitable plastic material, or, if a thermoplastic is used, the frames may be formed of sheet material cut and shaped in presses.

The inner frame member is cupped to receive the nose and mouth of the wearer and has a bottom portion I which extends across and rests against the chin of the wearer. Side portions 2 and 3 are curved rearwardly' away from the plane of the chin or bottom portion I, the side portions having inwardly directed confronting faces which are normally disposed flatwise against the checks of a the wearer: ,The inner frame member is formed with outwardly curved or'rolle'd edges providing integral beads 4 which prevent the frame from cutting into the wearers cheeks, thus providing amore comfortable fit. The rolled bead edge also strengthens the inner 'frame member to resist" breaking and collapsing of the same.

In the front of the mask the inner frame A is formed with a heart or V-shaped breathing opening 5 across which is disposed filter element D which may be formed of sponge rubber, fibrous glass, or cotton gauze. Above the breathing opening the inner frame member A includes a front portion 6 disposedapproxirnately in the same plane as the chin portion I and having a r'earwardly extending angularly disposed flange 1. This flange, integral with the inner frame member, alsoextends along the top edges of the side portions 2 and 3 providing an enclosing bridge for the 'wearers nose. As shown'in Fig. 4 the bridge flange I is generally of inverted v shape and tapers in width down the sides of the mask. The rolled edge 4, continuous across the bottom edge of the inner'frame member A including thefront portion I, is'also extended upwardly along the rear edges of the nasal bridge I so that a continuous outwardly rolled edge is provided about the entire peripheral extent'of the inner frame member A. v

The outer frame member B is complementally shaped with respect to the inner frame member but is of less areaorextent than the latter. Breathing opening 8 in the'outer frame member B corresponds in shape-to the breathing opening 5 of the inner frame member but is slightly less in area, the edge of the'outer' frame member about the breathing openingbeing curved or flanged inwardly'as indicated at' Qto bite into the material of the filter element D and to displace the filter element inwardly into the breathing opening 5 of the inner frame member.

The filter element may be' any suitable porous material such as a woven gauze, fibrous glass, or sponge rubber, mentioned above, or terry cloth or natural or artificial sponge. Displacing the filter element inwardly by the pressure of the inturned edge 9 of the outer frame member causes the fllter element 'to imb'e'd or cover the edges of the inner frame member about the breathing opening 5. Thus the inner frame edges are cushioned by the material of the'filter element and objectionable pressure against the face of -the wear'er by suc'h edges isavoided:

4 The outer frame member includes side and front portions II, I2, I3 and I6 corresponding respectively to the portions I, 2, 3 and 6 of the inner frame member A. These corresponding portions of the inner and outer frame members are shaped complementally to the same contours, providing confronting faces which clamp marginal portions I4 of the filter element D around the entire periphery of the latter. The clamping area is" relatively large'around the entire extent of the breathing'opening so that withdrawal of the edges of the filter element from between the frame members is avoided. Slight lateral displacement of the filter element is permitted, however. Additionally, the assembly of new or fresh filter elements between the frame members and across the-breathing opening is readily effected in the present respirator since the wide marginal gripping area provided makes it unnecessary to locate the filter element precisely with respect to thebreathing opening.

Along the upper edge'of the front portion I6 of the outer frame member is formed an integral angularly disposed flange I! which is arranged to overlie an arch portion of the nasal bridge 1 of the inner frame member to locate the two frame members in predetermined relative positions and to support the outer frame member on the inner. Piloting or guiding of the frame members to locate them in predetermined relation with respect to one another isprovided by the lateral flange I] which has sliding engagement "oh the upper surface of'the nasal bridge I as the frame'membe'rs are moved together inassembling the respirator.

At each side of the mask respirator the side portions 2 and-3 of the inner frame member are formed with vertically elongated openings l8 which receive matching tubular extensions I9 formed integrally on the adjacent side'portions I2 and I3 of the outer frame member. Each of the tubular extensions I9 is received in the associated socketlike aperture I8 of the inner frame member A with a snap fit. Thus' the tubular extensions constitute interlocking meansfor reta'ining the' frar'ne members in assembled relation.

The head band ,C is in the form of a flexible strap or tape formed: of woven fabric material, leather or plastic. Preferably the head band is elastic to retain the respirato'r frame snugly against thewea'rers faceand may be of molded rubber for frictionally, engaging the wearers head to' resist slipping; Suitable elasticity is'also present in conventional elastic tape made of woven fabric material, incorporating elastic or rubber strands. In assembling the respirator the ends of asuitablalehgthof band'or tape are threaded through openings 20 inthe'tubularextensions I9, the ends of the tape or band also passing'fthrough the openings I8 of the inner frame member, These ends of the bandare' then secured to'slidebuckles 2I on'thebody of the band, thusfproviding' loops 2! in the ends of the band or tape which are threaded through the alihed openings I8 and 20 of the frame members. By sliding the buckles 2| along the main portion of the head band'thesize of the band and the lo0ps 22 may be adjusted;

As shown in Fig: 2 the inner and outer frame members A" and B may'be separated from one another for renewal and replacement of the'fllter D- while thefra'me members remain'threaded on the band loops 22.

To change or replaceithefilter elementD while about the breathing opening; 3

the respirator is being wornltl ie i bi l ingioutwardly on the side portion l2 and J; 'of

the outer frame member jtg release the sna fit member A, allowing the latter to remainiinposition over the nose and mouth. :Iheelasticity pf the head band C permits theframe memb'ers ;to be separated from one another, the band looggvs 22 sliding through the side openings {8 'o'ffthe vinner frame member. With the frame members hus separated the filter element D is released interlock of the tubularj extensions 19 in the apertures l8, merely draws the outer frame member B forwardly and away from the inner frame one not extending through the aligned apertures in the frame members and serving to hold the v frame members together when the band is tensioned about the heado'f the wearer;

2. A mask type respirator comprising inner and'oute'r frame members'receivable together in "nestingr'elation, at least one of the members being formed of thin shape retaining sheet ma- ;terial having angularly disposed edge flange portions located laterally beyond the corresponding edges of the other frame member, a filter eleinent'rv'aceivable between the frame members,

from clamped position between the confronting M faces of the frame members, permitting it to be removed or withdrawn from"the breathing p ninginthe' front of the mask; witn'the outer frame member still withdrawn aneworreplacement filter is then disposed across the breathing binnin 5 fi in e frame memb r and the outer frame member returned o 'c v lamping f j Should the respirator be first removed b the wearer for replacement or renewal. of the filter element, the frames maybe separatedby spring n ana t e ide p rti n '2 an 1 0 h Outer :frame member to with'drawthe tubular extensions lfll r mthe e u es o i b inn r frame m ber, thus releasing the frame membeisfrorrf'thir clamping engagement on" the filterelement. The

loops 22 of the head band Cr'emain threaded through the'alined openings of the frame members and serve as piloting means, guiding the parts together'when the frame members are clamped about the new'filter 'elerrienti 8'of the outer frame member. This correct positioning of the parts is effective in maintaining the proper relationship betv'r'eeii the inturned edge flange. 9 formed on the outer frame member 3 While the breathing opening may beof any suitable size or shape it has been found advantageous to make it of generally inverted V shape as shown in Fig. 4, the front portions l and H of the frame members across the bottom of the mask being curved or recessed upwardly as indicated at 23 to correspond to chin anatomy.

In accordance with the provisions of the patent statutes, the principles of the present invention may be utilized in various ways, numerous modifications and alterations being contemplated, substitution of parts and changes in construction being resorted to as desired, it being understood that the embodiment shown in the drawing and illustrated above is given merely for purposes of explanation and illustration without intending to limit the scope of the claims to the specific details disclosed.

What I claim is:

1. A mask type respirator comprising an inner frame member receivable against the face of a wearer and having a central breathing opening, an outer frame member receivable over the inner frame member, a filter element interposed between the members and extending across said opening, and a retaining band for holding the members in place, the frame members having aligned aperture and the band having at least the latter-defining a breathing opening and having complemental surfaces around the opening for clamping the filter element, side portionspi' one of the 'inenibers having band" receiving opening's, corresponding" side'portions of the other member having matching' openings defined (at 'lea'st part by integral flanges which extend into 'the band receivingopenings of said one member to re't'ain the frame 'I'nembers together, and a *h'e'ad bane haViIig' portions threaded through the matching openings of the" frame members for holding the latter'in place on the face of the wearer; 1

3. A mask type respirator comprising separable shape retaining frame members and a filter element receivable therebetwen, 'the' frame members having 'comple'mentallyformed"portions extending around a breathing ope'ning for clamping the edges'of the filter element and supporting the latter across the opening, and one" only of the frame members including an integral laterally extending portion angularly disposed with respect to 'thej clamping portion of said ofie member for overlying anaenciosing the wearer's nose, such extension portion being at-an'angle to the p'la'n'e of the breathing opening and the other than said one frame member. I 4. Amask type respirator comprising separ' le shaperetaining inner and outer fraineinm rs and a filter element receivable therbetweenjli e frame members having complementally formed portions extending around a'breathing opening frame member being-or substantially less area :for clamping-the edges ofthe filter'elem'eii and supportingfth'e latter acrosstheopeningand' the inner "frame member'tmy including an "integral laterally extending portion angularly disposed with respect to the clamping portion on the inner frame member for overlying and enclosing the wearer's nose, such extension portion being at an angle to the plane of the breathing opening and the outer frame member being of substantially less area than the inner frame member.

5. A mask type respirator comprising separa-l ble shape retaining frame members, a filter element receivable therebetween, the frame mem-- bers having complementally formed portions ex, tending around a breathing opening for clamping the edges of the filter element and supportin the latter across the opening, side portions of the frame members having aligned band re ceiving openings, projections on one of the frame members receivable within the band openings of the other frame member to lock the frame mem bers together, and band means extending through the band openings.

6. A mask type respirator comprising inner and outer open center frame members receivable in nested relation over the nose and mouth of a wearer, a filter element disposed between the frame members and across the open centers thereof, means for holding the frame members on the head of the wearer and means interlock.

YMEQQW hteeat em ze mei er 're P a. aperture of said one 'member.--.

rfIfIY-A mask type respirator comprising .inper and; outer open center frame members. receivable overathe nose and mouth of a wearer,a filter element, a head band for holding the framememnbers in place, the frame members beinginested loone within the other and having complementary .surfaces for receiving and clamping the. filter element therebetween, the inner frame member having opposite side portions formed with cheek -.contacting faces disposed in generally con- 15 fronting relation to one another theheadband .having ends attached to corresponding points of'the frame members, and interfitting snap fit formations on the-framemembers in pairs for holding the latter together :with the fiIterele- ZO ment clamped therebetween,. the snap fit formations bein located one pair on each side of the nose receiving portions of the frame members at said band attaching points.

8. A mask type respirator comprising a frame ilfir receivable against the face of a wearer and having a central breathing opening, a filter ele- ,ment disposed across said opening, said frame including inner and outer members disposed in .nested relationand clamped upon the vedges 'w of the filter element, and a headband for retaining the'frame in place, the inner and outer frame members having aligned apertures and the head band extending through said aligned apertures to hold the frame members together;5 when the band is tensioned' about the head of the wearer.

9. A mask type respirator comprising a generally heart shaped frame receivable against the face of a wearer and having a central breathing;. 0 opening, a filter element disposedacross said opening,,said frame including inner and outer members disposed in nested relation and clamped ,upon the edges of the filter element, the frame having a lower edge portion recessed upwardly 45 to receive the chin of thewearer, and a head band for retaining the frame in place, the inner and outer frame members having aligned aper- -5 m erallyheart-sliaped frame receivable against 10. A" maskilrespirator, co

" mp g. afstithe 'faceof awearer and having a centralsubstantially heart shaped breathing. opening, a filter element disposed across said opening; said frame including inner and outer members disposed in nested relation. and clamped ,upon the the edges of 'the filter element, and ahead bandfor-retaining the frame in place, the inner and outer frame members having aligned apertures and the head band extending-thro.ugh said aligned aperturesito hold .the framernembers together whenthe band is tensioned-about the head of the wearer. t 11. A'mask type respirator comprising'a frame receivable 'against the face of a wearer ,and having a center filter opening, a filter element disposed against said opening, said frame having inner and outer members disposed in nested relation, interlocking means for holding'the frame members together, said interlockin means including a'through aperture on one member and a raised element on the other member receivable in the aperture of said onemember, and a head band for holding the frame members on the headof the wearer, said head band extending through said aperture.

JOHN D.

REFERENCES ,C'ITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

= UnrrEb STATESPATENTS n 1,765 Great'Britain of 1903 

